Tuesday, June 17, 2014

That’s the catch, isn’t it? Attending college while your children are
growing up. College study, and all it
entails, is not easy—even without children.
But once you add family obligations into the mix, it can become
downright difficult. The answer? Discover methods to study on the go, include
the children into class projects when you can, and use your resources on
campus.

Course work requires time.
Try toting books to work to read assignments at lunch or to the
children’s games to read sections between active play. Tape study notes and listen to them while
performing household chores or watching soccer matches and swim meets. Use earphones whenever you leave the
house.

Some college students and mothers
get up an hour earlier to work on projects or clock out at work and remain
there to do class work in an empty conference room or office away from the
distractions of home. And sometimes, you
simply need to accomplish class work on the weekends.

Understanding course material is crucial. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during class
or afterwards. I, for one, peppered my
professors with questions to obtain a better understanding of the
material. Networking with fellow
classmates can aid in understanding too.
Form study groups; get together when you can to work on projects
together.

Most colleges offer free tutors
for numerous courses. Check the hours
for the Tutoring Center on campus. Many
universities have writing centers where students can obtain critiques of their
academic papers.

Starting college or completing a
degree for a non-traditional student, usually a student over 30, is a
challenge. But it can be accomplished. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what my memoir
is about.